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"Generally, I find that people are attracted to enthusiasm if it's unfettered and for the right reasons," says Hendrik Poinar, director of McMaster University's Ancient DNA Laboratory.

Julia Kempe couldn't bring herself to choose between physics and maths, nor between two graduate institutions. So she did two Ph.D.s at once in quantum computation.

A Ph.D. is great on fundamentals--it teaches you how to make something completely on your own--but it falls short on the practical stuff every entrepreneur has to master.

Here are six examples of behavioral scientists who have stepped off the academic path into some interesting territory.

This is the first time researchers have been able to connect brain activity with a real-life consumer decision.

For behavioral scientists considering a career in public polling research, it helps to have a fascination with numbers.

If you're entrenched in something that isn't your lifelong passion--see below--you've got to get off those rails and find some way to get back on the right track.

"Teaching at a community college is not lecturing; it's more hands-on. You have to do a lot more work as a teacher, because students are not nearly as prepared." --Michaeleen Lee

It's worthwhile to throw a party every now and then. Apart from the fun involved, it is a great way to celebrate your success and acknowledge your co-workers.

I think it makes sense for people who aren't satisfied to air their grievances, but it's important to do it constructively and strategically.

Although efforts to provide real career opportunities for more scientists would create stronger incentives for Americans to seek science careers, the political momentum appears to be on the side of granting more H-1B visas.

Academics should never lose sight of their own research agenda and the benefits they hope to gain from the collaboration.

"I had no idea that there were other African-American woman astronomers until I hooked up with the National Society of Black Physicists during my master's degree." --Jarita Holbrook

"Earning a Ph.D. is not a vocational qualification anymore. It equips people to go into all sectors of society."

"Listen to everyone who has something to say, file the opinions, and make your own decisions anyway." --Avi Spier

"People who go through the Pharm.D. training have a knowledge of the chemicals and the development process, and how it interacts with the patient, that adds a tremendous dimension to the clinical trials." --David Cooper

Franck Diafouka found at the EMEA the opportunity to study the impact of drugs in real life and work in a multinational and multicultural environment.

"My passion is helping patients, and their care comes first in my job. For me, it's all about attaining loyalty and trust." --Heather Free